Asians Face Domestic Violence

Community News story posted 6/6/07.

Asian Communities Find Fighting Domestic Violence Big Challenge

"Therapy is for white people."

That's what Ginger Cacnio recently said to an Asian-American audience at a recent forum at Truman College. And this belief, she said, makes it harder to deal with domestic violence in minority communities.

Cacnio shared her childhood experience of sexual abuse and resulting problems with drugs, promiscuity and suicide attempts at the May 23 town hall - one of a number of forums that's part of a year-long initiative to make Illinois a safer place for women and girls called What Will It Take?

About 60 people and eight Chicago police officers participated in the discussion co-sponsored by 12 Uptown non-profit organizations that serve minorities from Asian countries. Speakers explained how cultural differences keep many Asian victims of violence from seeking help and shared suggestions for dealing with the problem.

Full story: http://www.creatingcommunityconnections.org/node/599

(c) Keri Lynch 2007